Denver Hockey Headed To Frozen Four After Beating WMU

Denver defeats Western Michigan 6-2 to advance to the 2026 Frozen Four in Las Vegas after a dominant first period in Loveland.

Mar 29, 2026 by Joe Harrington

Replay: Home - 2025 Western Michigan vs Davenport ACHA D1 | Nov 14 @ 8 PM1:42:48

Denver Hockey is headed to Las Vegas for the 2026 Frozen Four after scoring four goals in the first period and keeping defending champion Western Michigan from rallying in a 6-2 win in Loveland, Colo., on March 29.

A matchup of two teams playing for the 11th time in two years and the last two NCAA champions, Denver evened the two-year series at 5-5 with its second straight win over the Broncos. This time, the win came in the Loveland Regional Final.

The Pioneers will play the winner of the Michigan-Minnesota Duluth game in the Albany Final. This is the 21st time Denver has advanced to the Frozen Four.

Denver pulled away with a 6-2 win, powered by goals from Sam Harris, Kyle Chyzowski, Samu Salminen, Brendan McMorrow, Kieran Cebrian and Eric Pohlkamp. Western Michigan got goals from Zach Bookman and Theo Wallberg but couldn’t keep pace.

Relive the game below.

Denver Scores Empty-Net Goal

Denver 6, WMU 2

The Pioneers are headed to Vegas in a matter of minutes.

DENVER HOCKEY MAY HAVE SEALED IT

Denver 5, WMU 2

Denver answers with 6:02 left. Kieran Cebrian had the goal.

CEEBS!!!!

5-2 DENVER WITH 6:02 LEFT IN THE 3RD! pic.twitter.com/QN4zculoQo
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) March 29, 2026

05:12 — Shot by WMU Spicer, Cole WIDE.
05:43 — Faceoff Fisher, Jake vs Spicer, Cole won by DEN.
06:02 — Goal by DEN Cebrian, Kieran (assist: Kyle Chyzowski).
06:02 — Faceoff Fisher, Jake vs Spicer, Cole won by DEN.
06:09 — Shot by WMU Slukynsky, Grant BLOCKED by Buckberger, Boston.
06:16 — Faceoff Cebrian, Kieran vs Slukynsky, Grant won by DEN.
06:16 — Shot by WMU Woogk, Colby MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
06:23 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Cebrian, Kieran won by WMU.
06:34 — Shot by WMU MacKenzie, Tyler MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
06:52 — Shot by DEN Pohlkamp, Eric MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
07:07 — Faceoff Salminen, Samu vs MacKenzie, Tyler won by DEN.
07:07 — Shot by DEN Lorenz, Rieger MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
07:47 — Shot by DEN Brown, Garrett MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
07:47 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Caswell, Clarke won by WMU.
07:48 — Shot by DEN Epperson, Kristian BLOCKED by Nehring, Zach.
08:09 — Shot by WMU Michaels, Owen WIDE.
08:46 — Faceoff Fisher, Jake vs Michaels, Owen won by DEN.
08:46 — Goal by WMU Wallberg, Theo (assist: Bobby Cowan).

Do You Believe? WMU Scores With 8:46 Left

Denver 4, WMU 2

WMU cut the Denver lead in half as Theo Wallberg scores!

THEO!!! pic.twitter.com/EqDQB6dl8g
— WMU Hockey (@WMUHockey) March 29, 2026

Final 10 Minutes Coming Up: No One Has Scored Since The First

Denver maintains its 4-1 lead.

10:17 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Fisher, Jake won by WMU.
10:18 — Shot by DEN Burrows, Hagen MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
11:11 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Cebrian, Kieran won by WMU.
11:11 — Shot by WMU MacKenzie, Tyler MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
11:13 — Shot by WMU Sharp, Zack MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
11:35 — Shot by WMU Sjolund, Samuel WIDE.
11:44 — Faceoff Salminen, Samu vs MacKenzie, Tyler won by DEN.
12:09 — Shot by DEN Harris, Sam MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
12:34 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Caswell, Clarke won by WMU.
13:05 — Shot by WMU Bookman, Zach BLOCKED by Varkonyi, Reid.
13:55 — Shot by WMU Sharp, Zack MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
13:57 — Shot by WMU Valente, Liam MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
14:17 — Shot by WMU Sharp, Zack MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
14:21 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Cebrian, Kieran won by WMU.
14:39 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Caswell, Clarke won by WMU.

Denver vs. WMU Hockey Media Timeout In Third Period Update

14:38 — Shot by DEN Jamieson, Eric MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
14:43 — Shot by DEN Harris, Sam WIDE.
14:53 — Shot by DEN Harris, Sam BLOCKED by Woogk, Colby.
15:37 — Faceoff Salminen, Samu vs MacKenzie, Tyler won by DEN.
15:37 — Shot by WMU Spicer, Cole MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
17:17 — Faceoff Cebrian, Kieran vs Michaels, Owen won by DEN.
18:13 — Shot by WMU Hakkarainen, Iiro WIDE.
19:32 — Shot by WMU Whitelaw, William WIDE.
20:00 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Cebrian, Kieran won by WMU.
20:00 — Johnny Hicks at goalie for DEN.
20:00 — Hampton Slukynsky at goalie for WMU.

OFF THE CROSS BAR FOR WMU

The Broncos had a goal waived off after the Broncos' shot hit the cross bar at the 17:17 mark.

Third Period Begins. Denver Leads 4-1

Denver 20 minutes away from Las Vegas.

After 2 Periods, Denver Hockey Leads Defending Champ WMU 4-1

Western Michigan has work to do in the final 20 minutes.

One. To. Go.#GoPios pic.twitter.com/SmrQvn7hOT
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) March 29, 2026

00:00 — Shot by WMU Bookman, Zach BLOCKED by Chyzowski, Kyle.
00:03 — Shot by WMU Hakkarainen, Iiro MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
00:09 — Shot by WMU Wisdom, Zaccharya WIDE.
00:51 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Cebrian, Kieran won by WMU.
01:03 — Faceoff Salminen, Samu vs Michaels, Owen won by DEN.
01:10 — Faceoff Salminen, Samu vs Michaels, Owen won by DEN.
01:48 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Salminen, Samu won by WMU.
01:54 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Salminen, Samu won by WMU.
02:16 — Shot by WMU Cowan, Bobby BLOCKED by Anderson, Kent.
02:55 — Faceoff MacKenzie, Tyler vs Burrows, Hagen won by WMU.
02:59 — Shot by WMU Hakkarainen, Iiro BLOCKED by Brown, Garrett.
03:34 — Faceoff Cebrian, Kieran vs Spicer, Cole won by DEN.

Denver vs. Western Michigan Hockey Stats

Shots: DEN 22, WMU 17
Faceoffs Won: DEN 18, WMU 22
Power Play Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0
Power Play Opportunities: DEN 2, WMU 1
Power Play Percentage: DEN 0%, WMU 0%
Short-Handed Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0
Shots by Period: DEN 14, 8 — WMU 8, 9
Penalty Shot Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0
Penalty Shots Attempted: DEN 0, WMU 0
Blocked Shots: DEN 10, WMU 6
Infractions: DEN 1, WMU 0
Penalty Minutes: DEN 2, WMU 4
Minor Penalties: DEN 1, WMU 2
Major Penalties: DEN 0, WMU 0
Misconducts (10 Minutes): DEN 0, WMU 0
Game Misconducts: DEN 0, WMU 0
Gross Misconducts: DEN 0, WMU 0
Match Penalties: DEN 0, WMU 0
Shootout Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0
Empty Net Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0
Unassisted Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0

Defensive Period So Far As WMU Tries To Rally

03:34 — Media timeout
03:34 — Shot by WMU Slukynsky, Grant BLOCKED by Cebrian, Kieran.
04:17 — Shot by WMU Sharp, Zack MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
04:30 — Shot by WMU Michaels, Owen WIDE.
05:06 — Shot by WMU Cowan, Bobby WIDE.
05:32 — Shot by WMU Szydlowski, Garrett WIDE.
05:39 — Faceoff MacKenzie, Tyler vs Salminen, Samu won by WMU.
06:35 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Caswell, Clarke won by WMU.
07:44 — Shot by DEN Lorenz, Rieger MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
07:48 — End power play for DEN.
07:55 — Shot by DEN Lorenz, Rieger WIDE.
08:58 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Salminen, Samu won by WMU.
08:58 — Shot by DEN Chyzowski, Kyle MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
09:21 — Shot by DEN Epperson, Kristian MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
09:26 — Shot by DEN Pohlkamp, Eric BLOCKED by Sjolund, Samuel.
09:48 — Penalty on Whitelaw, William WMU 2 minutes for Roughing.
09:48 — Start power play for DEN.

Denver vs. WMU Hockey Media Timeout In Second Period Update

09:48 — Media timeout
09:48 — Penalty on Whitelaw, William WMU 2 minutes for Roughing.
09:48 — Start power play for DEN.
09:49 — Shot by WMU Whitelaw, William MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
09:54 — Shot by WMU Henricks, Ty WIDE.
10:05 — Shot by WMU Michaels, Owen MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
10:16 — Shot by WMU Valente, Liam BLOCKED by Fisher, Jake.
10:34 — Shot by WMU Slukynsky, Grant MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
11:10 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Caswell, Clarke won by WMU.
11:10 — Shot by WMU Sjolund, Samuel BLOCKED by Epperson, Kristian.
11:15 — Shot by WMU Bookman, Zach MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
11:15 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Caswell, Clarke won by WMU.
11:38 — Shot by DEN Brown, Garrett WIDE.
11:47 — Faceoff Salminen, Samu vs Spicer, Cole won by DEN.
12:20 — Shot by DEN Pohlkamp, Eric BLOCKED by Hakkarainen, Iiro.
12:26 — Shot by DEN Jamieson, Eric WIDE.
13:00 — Shot by WMU Hakkarainen, Iiro WIDE.
13:09 — Shot by WMU MacKenzie, Tyler MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.

Denver vs. WMU Hockey Stats

Shots: DEN 19, WMU 12
Faceoffs Won: DEN 14, WMU 15
Power Play Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0
Power Play Opportunities: DEN 1, WMU 1
Power Play Percentage: DEN 0%, WMU 0%
Short-Handed Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0
Shots by Period: DEN 14, 5 — WMU 8, 4
Penalty Shot Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0
Penalty Shots Attempted: DEN 0, WMU 0
Blocked Shots: DEN 5, WMU 5
Infractions: DEN 1, WMU 0
Penalty Minutes: DEN 2, WMU 2
Minor Penalties: DEN 1, WMU 1
Major Penalties: DEN 0, WMU 0
Misconducts (10 Minutes): DEN 0, WMU 0
Game Misconducts: DEN 0, WMU 0
Gross Misconducts: DEN 0, WMU 0
Match Penalties: DEN 0, WMU 0
Shootout Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0
Empty Net Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0
Unassisted Goals: DEN 0, WMU 0

Denver vs. WMU Hockey Media Timeout In Second Period Update

13:34 — Media timeout
13:36 — Shot by DEN Fisher, Jake MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
14:38 — End power play for DEN.
14:39 — Shot by DEN Buckberger, Boston MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
14:40 — Shot by DEN Epperson, Kristian MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
14:47 — Shot by DEN Reeder, James WIDE.
14:52 — Shot by DEN Salminen, Samu BLOCKED by Sharp, Zack.
15:31 — Shot by WMU Whitelaw, William MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
16:11 — Start power play for DEN.
16:21 — Shot by DEN Lorenz, Rieger WIDE.

WMU Called for Tripping, Now Denver Has Power Play

Denver will have about 90 seconds of Power Play.

16:11 — Start power play for DEN.
16:21 — Shot by DEN Lorenz, Rieger WIDE.
16:38 — End power play for WMU.
16:38 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Fisher, Jake won by WMU.
16:38 — Penalty on Bookman, Zach WMU 2 minutes for Tripping.
16:38 — Shot by DEN McMorrow, Brendan MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
17:10 — Shot by WMU Cowan, Bobby WIDE.
17:21 — Shot by WMU Cowan, Bobby BLOCKED by Reeder, James.
17:33 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Salminen, Samu won by WMU.
17:33 — Shot by WMU Valente, Liam MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
18:11 — Start power play for WMU.
18:11 — Faceoff Cebrian, Kieran vs Slukynsky, Grant won by DEN.
18:11 — Penalty on Ashcroft, Cale DEN 2 minutes for Holding.
18:43 — Shot by DEN Harris, Sam BLOCKED by Woogk, Colby.
19:03 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Caswell, Clarke won by WMU.
19:17 — Shot by DEN Buckberger, Boston BLOCKED by Wallberg, Theo.
19:24 — Faceoff Salminen, Samu vs Slukynsky, Grant won by DEN.
19:26 — Shot by DEN Pohlkamp, Eric MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
19:30 — Shot by DEN Pohlkamp, Eric WIDE.
19:33 — Shot by DEN McMorrow, Brendan MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
20:00 — Johnny Hicks at goalie for DEN.
20:00 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Cebrian, Kieran won by WMU.
20:00 — Hampton Slukynsky at goalie for WMU.

WMU Hockey Has Power Play Opportunity

The first power play goes to WMU. Let's see what they can do.

Second Period Begins: Denver Up 4-1

Here we go, another 20 minutes.

First Period Ends: Denver Hockey Scores Most Goals In Period vs. WMU This Season

Four goals in 20 minutes as the Pios have the champs on the ropes.

Let's keep it rolling!#GoPios pic.twitter.com/EIbgOxg51k
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) March 29, 2026

00:00 — Shot by DEN Pohlkamp, Eric MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
00:11 — Shot by DEN Anderson, Kent WIDE.
00:32 — Shot by DEN Caswell, Clarke WIDE.
00:46 — Shot by DEN Buckberger, Boston MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
01:00 — Faceoff Caswell, Clarke vs Spicer, Cole won by DEN.
01:37 — Faceoff Fisher, Jake vs Slukynsky, Grant won by DEN.
01:37 — Shot by WMU Henricks, Ty WIDE.
01:39 — Shot by WMU Slukynsky, Grant MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
02:15 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Cebrian, Kieran won by WMU.
02:43 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Cebrian, Kieran won by WMU.
02:45 — Shot by WMU Slukynsky, Grant MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
03:04 — Shot by DEN Lorenz, Rieger MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
03:56 — Faceoff MacKenzie, Tyler vs Caswell, Clarke won by WMU.
04:07 — Shot by WMU Michaels, Owen MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
04:26 — Faceoff Fisher, Jake vs Michaels, Owen won by DEN.
04:26 — Media timeout
04:44 — Shot by WMU Henricks, Ty BLOCKED by Chyzowski, Kyle.
04:47 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Salminen, Samu won by WMU.

AGAIN! Denver 4, WMU 1 In First Period

Denver 4, WMU 1

Denver is all over the Broncos with another score. It's 4-1. This goal by Brendan McMorrow.

SEE YOU MCMORROW! 🚨

Pios lead 4-1 over the Broncos!#NCAAHockey x 🎥ESPNEWS / @DU_Hockey pic.twitter.com/iTJ6HJWV6v
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 29, 2026

04:26 — Media timeout
04:44 — Shot by WMU Henricks, Ty BLOCKED by Chyzowski, Kyle.
04:47 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Salminen, Samu won by WMU.
04:47 — Goal by DEN McMorrow, Brendan (assists: Kyle Chyzowski).
04:48 — Shot by DEN Chyzowski, Kyle MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
06:21 — Shot by DEN Harris, Sam BLOCKED by Michaels, Owen.
06:25 — Shot by DEN Epperson, Kristian MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
07:08 — Shot by WMU Cowan, Bobby WIDE.
08:08 — Faceoff Cebrian, Kieran vs Spicer, Cole won by DEN.
08:08 — Media timeout
08:12 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Salminen, Samu won by WMU.

B-MAC pushes DU's lead to 3! pic.twitter.com/msLi9T5rdu
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) March 29, 2026

Denver Hockey Gets One Back, Takes a 3-1 lead

Denver 3, WMU 1

Samu Salminen scores!

Samu Salminen slams this one home to give the Pios a 3-1 lead! 🏒#NCAAHockey x 🎥ESPNEWS / @DU_Hockey pic.twitter.com/xRSGLWaPPP
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 29, 2026

08:12 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Salminen, Samu won by WMU.
08:12 — Goal by DEN Salminen, Samu (assist: James Reeder).
08:42 — Shot by DEN Fisher, Jake WIDE.
09:35 — Shot by WMU MacKenzie, Tyler WIDE.
10:03 — Shot by DEN Epperson, Kristian WIDE.
10:44 — Faceoff Cebrian, Kieran vs Michaels, Owen won by DEN.
11:04 — Shot by DEN Lorenz, Rieger WIDE.
12:14 — Shot by DEN Pohlkamp, Eric WIDE.
12:40 — Faceoff Fisher, Jake vs MacKenzie, Tyler won by DEN.
13:29 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Caswell, Clarke won by WMU.

WESTERN MICHIGAN HOCKEY ANSWERS

Denver 2, WMU 1

The Broncos come out from the timeout and score! Zach Bookman with the goal with 13:29 to go int the period.

Bookman!!!! We are on the board! pic.twitter.com/kNp9AkdMRY
— WMU Hockey (@WMUHockey) March 29, 2026

Denver vs. WMU Hockey Media Timeout In First Period Update

13:36 — Shot by WMU Valente, Liam BLOCKED by Lorenz, Rieger.
13:36 — Media timeout
14:36 — Faceoff Cebrian, Kieran vs Slukynsky, Grant won by DEN.
14:36 — Goal by DEN Chyzowski, Kyle (assist: Eric Pohlkamp).
14:47 — Shot by DEN Pohlkamp, Eric MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
15:11 — Shot by WMU Wallberg, Theo WIDE.
16:05 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Caswell, Clarke won by WMU.
16:05 — Shot by WMU Slukynsky, Grant MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
16:05 — Shot by WMU Valente, Liam MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
16:11 — Shot by WMU Valente, Liam MISSED, save Hicks, Johnny.
16:13 — Shot by WMU Nehring, Zach WIDE.
16:33 — Shot by DEN Anderson, Kent WIDE.
16:37 — Shot by DEN Salminen, Samu MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
17:38 — Faceoff Cebrian, Kieran vs Michaels, Owen won by DEN.
17:38 — Shot by DEN Pohlkamp, Eric MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
17:41 — Faceoff Fisher, Jake vs MacKenzie, Tyler won by DEN.

PIOS AGAIN: 2-0 Denver Hockey In First Period

Denver strikes again! Kyle Chyzowski scored at the 14:36 mark.

CHYZOWSKI MAKES IT 2-0 PIONEERS!!! pic.twitter.com/pG9Iw132vp
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) March 29, 2026

DENVER HOCKEY TAKES THE LEAD

The Pioneers take the lead! Sam Harris with a goal, assist by Clarke Caswell.

Sam Harris picking up right where he left off! #GoPios pic.twitter.com/evvXDjWpJ4
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) March 29, 2026

18:00 — Faceoff Fisher, Jake vs MacKenzie, Tyler won by DEN.
18:00 — Goal by DEN Harris, Sam (assists: Clarke Caswell).
18:00 — Shot by DEN Caswell, Clarke MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
18:23 — Shot by WMU Sharp, Zack WIDE.
18:28 — Shot by WMU Calbeck, Alex BLOCKED by Harris, Sam.
19:24 — Shot by DEN McMorrow, Brendan MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
20:00 — Faceoff Cebrian, Kieran vs Sjolund, Samuel won by DEN.
20:00 — Johnny Hicks at goalie for DEN.
20:00 — Hampton Slukynsky at goalie for WMU.

Already A Huge Save By Hampton Slukynsky

Hampton Slukynsky had the first save of the game at the 19:24 mark.

Puck Is Down, The Game Is On!

Here we go, let's find out who is going to Vegas.

Game will Start On ESPN NEWS Today

Baseball is running over, the game is starting on another channel.

Puck Is Dropping Soon For Denver vs. Western Michigan Hockey

All warmed up and ready to go! #BroncosReign pic.twitter.com/v4asx3QfMX
— WMU Hockey (@WMUHockey) March 29, 2026

Denver vs. WMU Hockey Is One Of The Best NCAA Hockey Rivalries Going

Each of the last 3 playoff meetings between Denver and Western Michigan have needed extra time.

More Notes: https://t.co/oBDyXAGVjt pic.twitter.com/T1rwvOQF1G
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) March 29, 2026

Denver Hockey Roster

2: Tory Pitner, D, So.
3: Cale Ashcroft, D, Jr.
5: Garrett Brown, D, Jr.
6: Alec Whipple, D, So.
8: Kristian Epperson, F, Fr.
9: Boston Buckberger, D, Jr.
10: Brady Milburn, F, Fr.
11: Samu Salminen, F, Sr.
12: Sam Harris, F, Jr.
13: Hagen Burrows, F, So.
14: Rieger Lorenz, F, Sr.
15: Eric Jamieson, D, Fr.
16: Kyle Chyzowski, F, Fr.
18: Payton Nelson, F, Fr.
19: Jake Fisher, F, So.
21: Kent Anderson, D, Sr.
22: Brendan McMorrow, F, Fr.
23: Eric Pohlkamp, D, Jr.
24: Kieran Cebrian, F, Jr.
25: Clarke Caswell, F, Fr.
27: James Reeder, F, So.
28: Reid Varkonyi, F, Fr.
29: Quentin Miller, G, Fr.
30: Paxton Geisel, G, Jr.
31: Johnny Hicks, G, Fr.

Western Michigan Hockey Roster

1: Kirk Laursen, G, Gr.
2: Grady Gallatin, D, So.
3: Cole Crusberg-Roseen, D, Jr.
4: Zaccharya Wisdom, F, Jr.
6: Theo Wallberg, D, Jr.
8: Zach Nehring, F, So.
9: Zach Bade, F, So.
10: Zack Sharp, D, So.
11: Tyler MacKenzie, F, Fr.
12: Sam Huck, F, Fr.
13: Grant Slukynsky, F, Jr.
14: Colby Woogk, D, Fr.
15: Alex Calbeck, D, Fr.
17: Ty Henricks, F, So.
18: William Whitelaw, F, Jr.
19: Bobby Cowan, F, Fr.
21: Ryan Kusler, F, So.
22: Iiro Hakkarainen, F, So.
23: Liam Valente, F, Sr.
24: Garrett Szydlowski, F, Jr.
25: Cole Spicer, F, Jr.
26: Jamison Sluys, F, Fr.
27: Joona Väisänen, D, So.
28: Ryan Humphrey, F, So.
30: Hampton Slukynsky, G, So.
33: Samuel Sjolund, D, Sr.
34: Owen Michaels, F, Jr.
35: Gavin Moffatt, G, Fr.
37: Zach Bookman, D, Sr.

Owen Michaels Creating Quite The Legacy For Western Michigan Hockey

Junior Western Michigan captain Owen Michaels has put up some clutch performances throughout his career, but he seems to take his game to another level in the NCAA Tournament.

The reigning Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player, scoring four goals in St. Louis last season. He had the game-winning goal against Denver to push the Brown and Gold to the championship game.

Michaels has at least one point in all six NCAA Tournament games he’s played in, including two multi-point efforts. He has eight points on five goals and three assists in those six contests.

Among players in the field this season, Michaels leads the way with five goals in NCAA Tournament action. He is also second in points (8) and fifth in assists (3).

Western Michigan Projected Lineup in Denver Hockey Game Today

Going to battle with this group! #BroncosReign pic.twitter.com/mZQoLDPKld
— WMU Hockey (@WMUHockey) March 29, 2026

Denver Hockey On A Crazy Run

The Pioneers are attempting o make their third-straight Frozen Four and reach the NCAA’s national semifinals for a fourth time in five years. DU has made it to the Frozen Four in six of the last nine held tournament and 20 times overall.

NCHC Could Send 2 To Las Vegas Today

The NCHC could make up half the Frozen Four field after today with three teams playing in Regional Finals today. Minnesota-Duluth will play the No. 1 team in the tournament, Michigan in the Albany Final.

Two more #MFrozenFour berths are at stake today!

It's a 2026 #FrozenFaceoff Semifinal and 2025 Frozen Four rematch in the Loveland Region Final and a 2011 National Championship rematch in the Albany Region Final

📺: ESPN2/ESPN
🗓️: https://t.co/R5n1ooIbi0
🔢:… pic.twitter.com/DF7zzQqmUI
— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) March 29, 2026

Who's Already Headed To The Frozen Four?

Powerhouse North Dakota is back in the Frozen Four for the 23rd time this year after beating Quinnipiac in a regional final. Meanwhile, Wisconsin beat Michigan State in another regional in overtime, 4-3, to advance.

Some Folks In The AHL Are Watching This one Today

Dries says “GO BRONCOS” 🐴🚨 pic.twitter.com/Gvp7qhuAF1
— y-Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) March 29, 2026

Denver Hockey Projected Lineup In The Western Michigan Hockey Game Today

The Pioneers' projected lineup for the Regional Final.#GoPios pic.twitter.com/rRLwVcQ2Lo
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) March 29, 2026

What Time Is The Western Michigan vs. Denver NCAA Tournament Game Today?

The game is set for 3 p.m. ET Saturday, March 29 in Loveland, Colo.

Let's keep it rolling! A trip to the Frozen Four is on the line!

📺 https://t.co/CSActnONPF
📻 https://t.co/ccc3E6fiI3
📊 https://t.co/oU2906bUcS #BroncosReign pic.twitter.com/Vu6otaS6R5
— WMU Hockey (@WMUHockey) March 29, 2026

How To Watch Western Michigan vs. Denver In The NCAA Hockey Tournament

The game is broadcasting live on ESPN 2.

Where you can watch today's game on ESPN2.#GoPios pic.twitter.com/hDh8iMSnvz
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) March 29, 2026

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2026 NCAA Hockey Tournament Schedule & Scores

Here's the schedule for the first round of the NCAA Division I men's hockey tournament.

The Frozen Four in Las Vegas begins Thursday, April 9.

Worcester Regional

Semifinals, Thursday, March 26

No. 1 Michigan State 2-1 No. 4 UConn
No. 2 Dartmouth 1-5 No. 3 Wisconsin

Final, Saturday

Wisconsin 4, Michigan State 3

Sioux Falls Regional

Semifinals, Thursday

No. 2 Providence 2-5 No. 3 Quinnipiac
No. 1 North Dakota 3-0 No. 4 Merrimack

Final, Saturday

No. 1 North Dakota 5, Quinnipiac 0

Albany Regional

Semifinals, Friday

No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 4 Bentley, 5:30 p.m.
No. 2 Minnesota Duluth vs. No. 3 Penn State, 9 p.m. ET

Final, Sunday

No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 2 Minnesota Duluth, 5:30 p.m. ET

Loveland Regional

Semifinals, Friday

No. 1 Western Michigan 3-1 No. 4 Minnesota State
No. 2 Denver 5-0 No. 3 Cornell

Final, Sunday

No. 4 Western Michigan vs. No. 2 Denver, 3:00 p.m. ET

Frozen Four

National semifinals

April 9, 5 and 8:30 p.m.

National final

April 11, 5:30 p.m.

DI Men's Hockey Rankings: Before Selection Sunday

RANK - TEAM (1ST VOTES) - RECORD - POINTS - PREVIOUS RANK

1 Michigan (50) 28-7-1 1000 1
2 North Dakota 27-9-1 890 2
3 Michigan State 25-8-2 889 3
4 Denver 24-11-3 848 6
5 Western Michigan 26-10-1 809 4
6 Minnesota Duluth 23-13-1 746 8
7 Providence 23-10-2 684 5
8 Cornell 22-9-1 619 9
9 Dartmouth 21-7-4 569 12
T10 Penn State 21-13-2 535 10
T10 Quinnipiac 26-9-3 535 7
12 Wisconsin 21-12-2 414 10
13 Connecticut 19-11-5 397 14
14 Massachusetts 22-12-1 383 15
15 St. Thomas 21-11-5 278 18
16 Minnesota State 21-10-7 258 16
17 Boston College 20-14-1 243 17
18 Augustana 22-11-4 198 13
19 Ohio State 14-20-2 53 NR
20 Bentley 22-11-5 46 NR

What Teams Made The 2026 NCAA Men’s Tournament?

Here are the 16 teams that have reached the NCAA tournament:

Michigan
North Dakota
Michigan State
Western Michigan
Denver
Minnesota Duluth
Providence
Dartmouth
Penn State
Quinnipiac
Cornell
Wisconsin
Minnesota State
UConn
Merrimack
Bentley

Where is the 2026 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four?

Las Vegas will host the 2026 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four. It is that events first trip to Sin City. T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights will be the venue for the event which will run April 9 and 11.

Highlights: Ohio University Wins ACHA National Championship For First Time In 22 Years

The Ohio Bobcats ended a 22-year drought at the ACHA Men's Division 1 National Championship with a 3-1 win over Adrian College in the final. OU has now won the Murdoch Cup five times.

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